I’m so happy that I finally finished this up last night! With all of the other things going on it felt as if I’d never have time to get it done.

I added a Swiss insertion at the side seam for fun.

My original plan had been to have a gathered sleeve but I didn’t like the way it looked during fitting so I opted for a tuck on each side of the opening instead.

I was going to start on the new HP Kaleidoscope blouse next but I think I’ll make a quick dress first. It’s unbearably hot right now and I’d like to have a cool dress or two to toss on.

Things have slowed down on the landscaping front. We are exhausted and just enjoying the fruits of our labor. When I came home last Friday, Bryan was waiting for me with a surprise: a double Christmas palm that had been on my wish list for this corner of the house! I’ve planted it with Coontie (Zamia pumila) which is a Florida native and related to the Cardboard Plant that I love so much. I was kind of limited here because of the meter but I think this is going to look really nice when the plants mature.

I have some pretty flowers blooming too! Here’s the “Drunken Sailor” (quisqualis indica) in the courtyard:

and the beautiful Siam tulips (curcuma) behind the waterfall out back:

Parting shot: Someone’s very mad at her mother! Jess’ girlfriend, Dr. Kelly, gives her long-haired cats a lion cut every summer so I let her shave Ricki too. Ricki is not happy about it (but how cute are her little Ugg boots?)! We’ll just call it payback for what she’s done to my couches…

Love the blouse, gorgeous… I’m so inspired to get sewing. So cool to wear in hot weather. Also love the little Uggs on your kitty. Adorable, but knowing cats I’m sure she doesn’t think so. I wish I could have a beautiful palm in my yard, but it would freeze up during the winter here in Canada. Thanks for all your sharing. Look forward to your next projects.

Love the blouse! It looks perfect for a hot Florida day. We are about to shave our very long haired black cat as she has a hard time keeping the knots out of her fur. I’m sure she’ll be mad as well. What a good laugh I had at that picture!

The blouse is beautiful. I’m loving all the details that make it look so feminine. The lace is just perfect.

We used to shave our long haired cat every summer. He was such a big, lazy thing, he didn’t mind one bit. It was strange to watch the hair grow in a different color, and magically change back to black when completely grown in. I don’t know if cats like it, but it sure cuts down on the matting.

The shirt is so beautiful – definitely heirloom stuff. I love the side seam insert. Your yard is fabulous! I haven’t forgot all those years in FL and the bright tropical plants. The cat, well, I can understand why it would be mad, but really, it must be a bit cooler for the animal.